Debates are not heard of much these days. Religious debates are heard of even less. However, there was a time when those of conviction would engage in honorable debate. In fact, in time past many Gospel Meetings (Revivals) conducted by our brethren would not come to a close without a challenge to debate from one of the denominations in the community.

Debating is a Biblical concept. Jude said Christians “should earnestly contend for the faith,” Jude 3. Paul said, “I am set for the defence of the Gospel,” Philippians 1:17. Jesus engaged in debates as we see in Mark 12:28, “And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered him well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?” Jesus was a controversialist, so was Paul. In Acts 17:17 we read that Paul, “disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. The word “disputed” in this passage means “to discourse with one, i.e. he reasoned (ASV). Used of a discussion likely to end in a dispute. He engaged in a debate with them.” To engage in debate and set forth the truth of the Gospel has done and still does great good in evangelism. The view was once stated that “a week of debate is worth a year of preaching.”

The advantage to an honest and open religious debate is that both sides of the proposition is set forth. Light has its greatest effect when contrasted with darkness (e.g. religious error). Reading the religious debates of our brethren have the same advantages. Regarding a given issue, the position of a denomination is expressed, and the Bible answer is given by the defender of Truth. There are many debates still in print, either in book form or eBooks, audio recordings, video recordings, etc. There are several debate books in our library and many more can be found online. Such debates as:

James D. Bales and Woolsey Teller:  The Existence of God, A Debate

1. Perry B. Cotham and Peter John: The Cotham-John Debate on Miracles Today
2. B. Hardeman and Ben M. Bogard: Hardeman-Bogart Debate on The Work of The Holy Spirit, The Necessity of Baptism, The Establishment of The Church, and The Possibility of Apostasy.
3. B. Hardeman and Ira M. Boswell: Boswell-Hardeman Discussion on Instrumental Music in the Worship
4. Charles R. Nichol and A. S. Bradley: The Nichol-Bradley Debate on The Kingdom Of Christ Was Established On The First Pentecost After The Resurrection Of Christ and Man Is Wholly Mortal And Unconscious From Death Till The Resurrection.
5. Gus Nichols and J. D. Holder: Nichols-Holder Debate on Salvation Without The Preached Or Written Word, Or Any Condition On Their Part.
6. Gus Nichols and Max R. King: The Nichols – King Debate on The 2^nd Coming of Christ Occurred in 70 AD with the Fall of Judaism. (aka 70AD Doctrine)
7. Foy E. Wallace, Jr. and Charles M. Neal: Neal-Wallace Discussion on the Thousand Years Reign of Christ
8. Thomas B. Warren and L. S. Ballard: Warren-Ballard Debate on Is Obedience (Water Baptism) Necessary For Salvation.
9. Thomas B. Warren and E. C. Fuqua: The Warren-Fuqua Debate on Are Men Out of The Church Amenable to the Law of Christ on Divorce and Remarriage.
10. Guy N. Woods and A. U. Nunnery: The Woods-Nunnery Debate on Baptism and Apostasy

Many of these debates can be found in our church library. Many are still in print and can be ordered from Christian Bookstores (i.e. Tucker Bookstore, Chula Vista Books, etc.). Those listed in this article (and many more) can be found in PDF format through such websites as International College of the Bible (http://www.icotb.org/).

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

-Jerry D. Sturgill